Israeli forces kill 60 Palestinians as US opens embassy

Palestinian protesters look at tear gas and smoke billowing from burning tires, east of Gaza City on May 14, 2018, as they ready for protests over the inauguration of the US embassy following its controversial move to Jerusalem al-Quds. (Photo by AFP)

Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians who gathered near a Gaza fence for the climax of a six-week demonstration coinciding with the inauguration of US embassy in Jerusalem al-Quds.

Clashes erupted along the fence Monday between Palestinians and Israeli forces as protesters converged on the site for a "day of rage".

According to Gaza health officials, at least 58 Palestinians were shot dead and over 2,700 wounded by Israeli snipers who were positioned along the fence. An infant and a man succumbed to their injuries later bringing the total fatalities from the violence to 60.

Later on Monday, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN said there were eight children under the age of 16 among Palestinians killed during violent clashes that took place on the border fence separating Israel from the Gaza Strip.

"We condemn in the strongest terms these atrocities by the Israeli occupying forces, using this massive fire power against civilians who have the right to demonstrate peacefully -- and they have been demonstrating peacefully," Riyad Mansour added.

A girl raises a Palestinian flag as another Palestinian boy holds a wooden key symbolizing the return before the barbed-wire east of Gaza City on May 13, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

Israeli troops have killed 45 Palestinians since the demonstrations began on March 30, according to Palestinian health officials, while no Israeli casualties have been reported.

The death toll has drawn international criticism, but the United States which has angered Muslims with its embassy move, has supported Israel.

On Sunday, the Israeli air force dropped leaflets over the Gaza Strip warning Palestinians not to approach the fence and threatening to target Hamas facilities in the besieged territory if protesters breach the barrier.

Palestinian witnesses said Israeli aircraft also dropped flammable material on Monday to burn tires that protesters had stacked to set on fire. The Israelis also fired tear gas at people inside the tented encampments that have sprung up along the fence.

Hardline education minister Naftali Bennett told Israel Radio that the regime would treat the Gaza fence as an "Iron Wall" and anyone who approached it as a "terrorist".

The rallies known as the “Great March of Return” are due to climax on Tuesday, the 70th anniversary of Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe) when Israel was created.

Every year on May 15, Palestinians all over the world hold demonstrations to commemorate the day, which marks the anniversary of the forcible Israeli eviction of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homeland in 1948.

A man carries tires to be burnt as Palestinians prepare to demonstrate along the fence between the besieged Gaza Strip and occupied territories, east of Jabalia on May 14, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

The daily Haaretz quoted a senior Israeli officer in the Southern Command as predicting that Monday’s protests would be much more violent than those of the previous seven weeks as it coincides with the US embassy relocation.

Israel has doubled the number of forces around the Gaza Strip and in occupied West Bank territories ahead of the controversial embassy opening. On Sunday, the regime deployed 11 battalions along the Gaza fence, including special forces, intelligence units and snipers.

Additional combat battalions and intelligence units are to be deployed to the West Bank, the Israeli daily reported.

More than 1,000 Israeli settlers stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of East Jerusalem al-Quds on Sunday, in a provocative act ahead of the US embassy opening.

The occupied territories have witnessed new tensions ever since President Donald Trump announced on December 6 US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s so-called capital.

The dramatic decision triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories as well as Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco and other Muslim countries.

Kremlin: US embassy opening adds fuel to Mideast tensions

The Kremlin said on Monday it feared the opening of a U.S. embassy in Jerusalem would increase tensions in the Middle East, Reuters reported.

"Yes, we have such fears," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call, when asked if the Kremlin was concerned the move could increase tensions in the wider region.

UN experts slam Israel's 'disproportionate use of force'

In a relevant development on Monday, UN rights experts urged Israel to halt excessive use of force against peaceful Palestinian protesters, calling for an "impartial, independent investigation" into Israeli troops’ violence in occupied territories.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said it was "alarmed by the disproportionate use of force displayed by the Israeli security forces against Palestinian demonstrators."

Palestinians run for cover from tear gas near the so-called border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Jabalia, on May 14, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

The 18-member UN committee said it was "gravely concerned that many of the persons who died or were injured were reportedly posing no imminent threat at the time they were shot," voicing alarm at "many reports according to which Israeli authorities have denied and continue to deny access to urgent medical treatment to injured Palestinians."

The UN rights experts further stated that the deaths and injuries in occupied territories occurred "in a context marked by the 50-year occupation of the Palestinian territory" as well as a more than decade-long crippling blockade imposed on Gaza.

Palestinian govt.: Israel committing 'terrible massacre' in Gaza

Also on Monday, the Palestinian government accused Israel of committing a "terrible massacre" of Palestinians in protests in Gaza Strip.

Palestinian government spokesman, Yusuf al-Mahmoud, demanded in a statement "an immediate international intervention to stop the terrible massacre in Gaza committed by the forces of the Israeli occupation against our heroic people."

Palestinians carry a demonstrator injured during clashes with Israeli forces near the so-called border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel east of Gaza City on May 14, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

Turkey: US embassy move encouraged massacre of Palestinians

Turkey on Monday said the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds has encouraged Israeli forces to massacre Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Issuing a statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry added that the embassy move disregarded the rights of Palestinians, saying, "We curse the massacre carried out by Israeli security forces, encouraged by this step, on the Palestinians participating in peaceful demonstrations."

Egypt condemns Israel for 'targeting of Palestinian civilians'

Egypt has also strongly condemned Israel's targeting of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, where peaceful demonstrators protesting US embassy move were welcomed on Monday by Israeli forces’ live rounds and tear gas canisters.

"Egypt rejects the use of force against peaceful marches demanding legitimate and just rights, and warns of the negative consequences of this dangerous escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories," the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Palestinians clash with Israeli forces near the so-called border fence the Gaza strip and Israel east of Gaza City on May 14, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

Amnesty: Gaza bloodshed 'abhorrent violation'

Amnesty International said in a tweet on Monday that the bloodshed along Gaza's border fence with Israel was an "abhorrent violation" of human rights.

"We are witnessing an abhorrent violation of international law and human rights in Gaza.... This must end immediately," the London-based human rights group said on Twitter.

We are witnessing an abhorrent violation of international law & human rights in #Gaza. 38 confirmed dead, including 6 children, with close to 2000 people injured. Many are reporting injuries to the head and chest. Over 500 injured with live ammunition. This must end immediately.

EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has urged Israel to show "utmost restraint" after at least 41 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces during protests over US embassy decision on Monday.

"Dozens of Palestinians, including children, have been killed and hundreds injured from Israeli fire today, during ongoing mass protests near the Gaza fence. We expect all to act with utmost restraint to avoid further loss of life," Mogherini said in a statement.

Arab League: 'Shameful' countries celebrating US embassy move

Arab League chief, Ahmed Abul Gheit, on Monday slammed certain "shameful" countries, which he said were celebrating the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem al-Quds.

"It is shameful to see countries participating with the US and Israel in celebrating the former's embassy move to occupied Jerusalem in a clear and grave violation of international law and (UN) Security Council resolutions," said Abul Gheit.

Speaking in Cairo, where the Arab League is based, the official called on all countries to "refrain from taking any step that would harm the rights of the Palestinian people."

A Palestinian woman holding her national flag looks at clashes with Israeli forces near the so-called border fence between the Gaza strip and Israel east of Gaza City on May 14, 2018. (Photo by AFP)

Abul Gheit added that the US embassy move "represents an extremely dangerous step" and "I don't think the American administration realizes its real implications in the short and long terms."

"The Palestinian side feels that the United States has abandoned its historic role as a credible mediator in this conflict, after Washington unfortunately revealed full bias towards the Israeli positions which consistently contradict international legitimacy and law."

France tells Israel to show restraint

France's foreign minister also reacted to situation in Gaza Monday calling on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adding that the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds flouted international law.

"France calls on all actors to show responsibility to prevent a new escalation," Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement, adding, "France again calls on the Israeli authorities to exercise discernment and restraint in the use of force that must be strictly proportionate."

Le Drian also denounced the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem as violation of " international law and in particular UN Security Council resolutions."

Also on Monday, the UN human rights chief, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, took to Twitter to condemn reckless killing of peaceful Palestinian protesters by Israeli forces.

“Shocking killing of dozens, injury of hundreds by Israeli live fire in Gaza must stop now. The right to life must be respected,” he said.

Al Hussein also called for punishment of those behind killing of Palestinians saying that “those responsible for outrageous human rights violations must be held to account.”

“Shocking killing of dozens, injury of hundreds by Israeli live fire in #Gaza must stop now. The right to life must be respected. Those responsible for outrageous human rights violations must be held to account. The int'l community needs to ensure justice for victims” – #Zeid. pic.twitter.com/hBb7825Sp8